By John Simpson 08 August 2011
Intelligent Data Systems has become the latest member of the AA family following a buy-out from AA DriveTech – the group’s commercial driver training arm.
The deal – the value of which has not been disclosed – will see the supplier of driver risk management products trade within the AA DriveTech business but still operate as a separate legal entity.
IDS specialises in verification of driver licenses, insurance and MOT as well as providing company-owned and grey fleet vehicle driver risk management data.
Jim Kirkwood, MD of AA DriveTech, said the purchase will see their services improve as well as expand into less prolific territory.
“This deal is all about outstanding strategic fit and expansion of our duty of care portfolio,” he said.
“By combining both company’s existing market positions as well as our complementary technologies, we believe we can significantly grow both businesses in the short and long term.
“It also strengthens our ability to deliver technology-based solutions to the fleet risk sector and improves our reach in the North of England.”
‘Business as usual’
Jonathan Jerome of IDS (pictured below) added that existing customers shouldn’t too much difference following the purchase.
“It’s very much ‘business as usual’ as our customers will continue to deal with the same teams and people as they always have,” he said. “This was a particularly important element of the deal for the Directors and management team at Intelligent Data Systems.
“Having worked very closely with the AA for a number of years, we’re delighted to be joining the AA family which will underpin our growth and provide access to resources to expand on our existing market leadership position.
“We have also been very innovative in the ‘grey fleet’ arena and see many opportunities to offer our services to AA DriveTech’s customers and vice versa.”
Via its FleetSafe division, AA DriveTech annually re-trains over 23,000 employees who drive for work purposes. More than 300,000 UK drivers have attended some form of AA DriveTech course in the past two years.
Categories: Fleet news , AA
When it comes down to it, the only thing keeping you on the road are your car’s tyres. They are such a vital component, yet research shows that two-thirds of drivers don’t even know the minimum legal tread depth permitted.…
Citroen has just marked the 45th anniversary of its quirky Mehari fun car with a bespoke display at its chic design centre in the middle of Paris. While the Mehari may be more beach dunes than Champs-Elysées, it points up…
If you ever need an example of how far the car and automotive technology has come in a single generation, just reach for the gear lever in your car. A mere 25 years ago, you would most likely have the choice of five gears…
There are a great many considerations to take into account when looking at your next company car. Some are purely financial and others will be environmental, either because of monetary reasons or because of your conscience.…
Hot hatches have been through a few ups and downs in the time the class has properly existed. From must-have 1980s accessory to untouchable, uninsurable liability in the early 1990s, the sector has been on the rise again…